040400   PAUL P, MEENA B S, MAJI S, BHATT A (ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132 001, Haryana, Email: pampindri@gmail.com) : Determinants of likelihood access for different livestock based enterprises by the farmers of Tripura, India. Indian J Anim Res 2020, 54(1), 122-4.

Majority of the farmers are marginal and small even though economy of the state is agricultural oriented; in this perspective integrated farming system (IFS) became a viable option for the farmers for their livelihood. In their farming system with the cultivation of crop and vegetables different livestock based enterprises such as dairy, poultry, piggery, fishery etc. were also important options. This present study was designed to identify the determinants effecting to adopt different livestock enterprises at the farmers level; for that purpose total 100 farmers were selected and to analysis the likelihood assess of different enterprises multinomial logit (MNL) model was applied and result says that different socio- economic variables were influencing differently the farmers to availing the livestock enterprises in different condition; such as age, land holding, experience in farming were influencing significantly the farmers to adopt the different enterprises. Further, the study has also found that norms, ethics etc were also associated within the particular social system, so in this context farmers need to be benefited with the help of different modern innovative technologies and farming practices then might be the small holder farmers of the country also will be able to see the better future.

3 tables, 5 ref

040399   BENIDIR M, BELKHEIR B, BOUSBIA A (Algeria’s National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRAA), Sétif 19000, Alegria, Email: moh19ina@yahoo.fr) : Cattle husbandry practices management adopted by dairy farmers in Eastern semi-arid region of Algeria: A study of Setif Area. Indian J Anim Res 2020, 54(1), 116-21.

This study was conducted in Eastern semi-arid region of Sétif (Algeria). 63 dairy cattle farmers were surveyed through personal interview using a well-structured questionnaire to collect the information about cattle husbandry practices followed in the study area. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics performed with SPSS software (version 19). The results revealed that the majority of farmers (68.85 %) rely on family labor and 31.15 per cent use wage labor. As for the age group, operators aged between 21 and 35 represent the highest proportion (74.6 %) and 21.1 per cent of the population aged between 36 and 50 years. On the other hand, chiefs over the age of 51 represent only 4.3 per cent. The free stall housing is the mode most practiced by the majority of farmers surveyed (59.01 %) versus 40.99 per cent are practicing the stanchion stable system. The majority of respondents (90.16 %) fed readymade concentrate to their animals followed by home prepared concentrate (9.84 %). Artificial insemination is used by 19.67 per cent of farmers surveyed; the majority uses the natural service for breeding their animals. Pregnancy diagnosis is followed by all surveyed farmers but it was done by a qualified veterinarian. Calving interval was 12 months for all farmers surveyed. The majority of cattle farmers (96.82 %) are calf producers-fatteners. The fattened calves and culled cows are main categories of cattle made in market for slaughtering.

1 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

040390   DITLE B E, NG’AMBI J W, NORRIS D, ALABI O J (Agricultural Economics and Animal Production Dep, Limpopo Univ, Sovenga 0727, South Africa, Email: be.ditle@gmail.com) : Effect of garlic meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of indigenous venda chickens. Indian J Anim Res 2020, 54(1), 65-9.

A study was conducted to determine the growth performance and carcass characteristics of indigenous Venda chickens fed a grower’s diet supplemented with varying levels of garlic meal. The study was based on four diets containing similar energy but different garlic meal supplementation levels of 0, 10, 15 and 25 g/kg DM. At 50 to 91 days, all the growth and carcass parameters measured were improved (P<0.05) by garlic meal supplementation. Feed intake, growth rate, feed conversion ratio, live weight, carcass weight, dressing percent, breast meat, thigh, drumstick, gizzard and fat pad weights of Venda chickens were optimized at different garlic meal supplementation levels of 14.7, 15.8, 8.0, 16.4, 14.2, 12.7, 11.2, 12.7, 8.2, 10.5 and 15.1, respectively. These findings have implications on ration formulation for indigenous Venda chickens. Thus, it was concluded that garlic meal supplementation improved feed intake, growth rate, live weight and carcass weight of Venda chickens.

7 tables, 17 ref

040377   MONDAL K, CHATTERJEE J K, SAMANTA A K, BERA S, ROY M, BISWAS S, DEY A, PATRA G (Livestock Products Technology Dep, West Bengal Univ of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata – 700 037, West Bengal) : Effect of different litter materials on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken. Indian J Anim Hlth 2020, 59(2), 194-9.

The experiment was conducted to assess the effect of two different types of litter materials (saw dust and rice husk) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken. A total of 150 nos. of day-old Ross broiler chicks were randomly selected and divided equally into five groups, 3 replications were carried out for each group taking 10 birds in each replicate. In this study, Group-I was provided with 100 % saw dust, Group-II -100 % rice husk, Group-III -75 % sawdust +25 % rice husk, Group-IV -50 % saw dust + 50 % rice husk and Group-V 25 % saw dust + 75 % rice husk. During the experimental period, standard feeding and uniform management practices were applied. Growth performance parameters viz. live body weight (LBW), cumulative body weight gain (CBWG), cumulative feed intake (CFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured at weekly intervals up to 6 weeks of age. After 6 weeks of the study, six birds were randomly selected from each replicate group, and slaughtered and dressed for evaluation of carcass characteristics of broiler chicken. The results showed that up to 2 weeks of age, there was no significant difference in LBW, CBWG, CFI and FCR among the groups; but during growing to finishing stages (from 3 weeks to 6 weeks) the litter materials had played significant role, and comparatively better performance was noticed in birds those were raised on saw dust. Therefore, saw dust may be used as a litter material for better growth performance in broiler chicken.

2 tables, 15 ref

040375   BARMAN K, BANIK S, THOMAS R, KONWAR D, DAS B C, BORA S, RAJKHOWA S (ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani-781 131, Guwahati, Assam) : Effect of feeding different levels of protein and energy of bureau of indian standard specification on production performance of crossbred (HS x GH) grower pig. Indian J Anim Hlth 2020, 59(2), 178-82.

Present research work was conducted to study the effect of different levels of protein and energy on growth and nutrient utilization in crossbred grower pigs. Twenty four crossbred grower pigs were divided into four groups of six each. Animals were fed four different rations containing 100 % of protein and energy of Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS), 100 % of protein and 75 % of energy of BIS, 75 % of protein and 100 % of energy of BIS, and 75 % of protein and 75 % of energy of BIS in T₁ , T₂ , T₃ and T₄ groups, respectively to observe its effect on growth and nutrient utilization in crossbred grower pig. The pigs were fed on the experimental grower rations twice daily. Crude protein (CP) content (%) of the ration was ranged from 14.10±0.32 to 18.71±0.54. The average dry matter (DM) intake (g/day) was similar across all the groups which were ranged from 1357.0±5.4 to 1362.5. The majority of the nutrient digestibility coefficients were found higher (P<0.01) in T3 group followed by T₂ , T₁ and T₄ groups. The average body weight gain (g/day) was 395.7±33.1, 383.8±21.1, 379.9±12.6 and 375.3±46.0 in T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄ groups, respectively. The cost of production per kg live weight (Rs.) was ranged from 55.30±1.7 in T₃ to 64.90±8.80 in T₄ group and the values of others were within this range. The cost of production per kg live weight was lowest (P<0.05) in T₃ in comparison to other groups. It is concluded that ration containing 75 % of protein and 100 % of energy specified by BIS, can meet the nutritional requirement of grower pig without affecting the growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and economy of feeding.

3 tables, 22 ref

040372   YIZENGAW L, BELAYNEH N, ZEGEYE A, AKLILU F, KEFALE A (Sirinka Agricultural Research Centre, Po. Box: 74, Sirinka, Ethiopia) : Sero-prevalence and associated risk factors of maedi-visna virus in sheep population of selected area of Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia. Indian J Anim Hlth 2020, 59(2), 150-8.

Maedi-visna virus (MVV) causes a significant economic loss through morbidity, mortality and carcass weight loss in sheep worldwide. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and identify associations with potential risk factors of MVV virus infection in the selected area of the eastern Amhara region, Ethiopia. A total of 494 sheep blood sera were collected during the period from November, 2017 to October, 2018 and examined using Indirect enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (I-ELISA) to screen specific antibodies against MVV. From the total tested sample 3.24 % (16/494) were positive for the presence of antibodies against MVV in the area. The sero-prevalence of MVV was not significantly different between associated risk factors of breed, sex, age, production system, flock size and body condition score (P> 0.05). Awassi cross sheep distributor farm and ranch were incriminated as a source for Maedi-visna virus infection and effective control measures should be implemented through appropriate way of testing and culling mechanisms of all seroreactor ewes and their progeny. High sensitive screening test should be practiced and implemented during introduction of new flocks from abroad and before distribution of Awassi cross breed rams from ranches and multiplication center to smallholder farms and individual farmers. In addition further epidemiological study (research) should be done in sheep producing areas of the country to know the level of infection at national and country level.

2 tables, 37 ref

040370   VIPIN, SONI P K, KUMAR K, SINGH P, GHOSH M K (ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Kalyani-741 235, West Bengal) : Significance of vitamin a and e during periparturient period in dairy cows and buffaloes - a review. Indian J Anim Hlth 2020, 59(2), 125-36.

Nutrition has a primary role for optimum expression of genetic potential, and most of the dairy farmers have limited resources of green fodder. Hence, a fat-soluble vitamin, especially vitamin A and E remained most critical in the dairy animal’s ration and affects their productive and reproductive performance adversely. Animals cannot be able to produce these vitamins in their bodies; hence, an exogenous regular supply is needed to fulfil the physiological needs and to maintain high production performance. Dairy animals undergo intense changes in mammary gland during the periparturient period and become ready for the production of colostrum and milk. Since the concentration of both vitamins A and E are very high in colostrum, so the circulating levels of these vitamins drop during the time of calving causing many health problems and thus reduced the feed intake during the periparturient period. The precursor of vitamin A, and β-carotene is responsible for normal vision, cell growth, maintaining epithelial cells, healthy teeth, skeletal function and, therefore, protect the mucosal surface integrity. The β-carotene also acts as an antioxidant against free radicals. An intracellular antioxidant like vitamin E maintains cell membrane integrity by the protective effect against oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids which are enriched in the membranes of immune cells; especially lymphocyte membrane has high free fatty acids, making them prone to oxidative damage. It also increases the production of immunoglobulins in the body and increased the killing of intracellular microorganisms by neutrophils during calving. Vitamin E supplementation improves reproductive efficiency in farm animals by reducing the number of free radicals in tissues of the ovaries.

68 ref

040368   KUMAR S, BHARATI J, YADAV A K, PEGU S R, DOLEY J, PAUL S, DAS B C, MOHAN N H, DEB R (ICAR-National Research Center on Pig, Rani-781 131, Guwahati, Assam) : Pattern of antibiotics use in pigs of North Eastern India. Indian J Anim Hlth 2020, 59(1), 50-4.

Pig farming is an important way of livelihood for people of North East India. Therapeutic and prophylactic use of antibiotics on pig farms has become an integral part of farm health management. This practice has raised concerns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animals, and moreover, the consumers. AMR is selected and perpetuated not only by the regular use of antibiotics as therapeutic agents, but also as feed additives in animals. In the present study a survey was conducted in six pig farms of three NE states of India regarding the use of antibiotics in feed and treatment purpose. It was observed that penicillin, ampicillin, cephalosporin, cephalaxin and clavulanic acid plus amoxycillin were commonly used antibiotics for the therapeutic purpose. Monensin, amprolium, bacitracin, neomycin and chlortetracycline were used in the feed for prophylaxis, and amoxicillin, oxytetracycline and streptomycin were used for dual purpose. Antibiotics as a growth promoter, improves growth rate, feed efficiency, reduce mortality and morbidity, and improves reproductive performance. The observations of the present study may provide an idea of quantitative contribution of pig farming to antimicrobial resistance and can help in building appropriate intervention strategies to optimize the use of antibiotics in pig production.

2 tables, 14 ref

040300   DAS R (Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata, West Bengal, Email: Thisisrahul9@gmail.com) : Defining global governance and exploring its origin in historical context. Harvest 2020, 5(1), 14-20.

The modern sovereign nation-state was born in 1648 as a result of the Westphalian Treaty, after 8 million people died at the end of a thirty-year war. The very concept of nation-state is basically based on the idea of fixed territory and sovereignty. It implies that a State can exercise sovereign power or rule within its territorial boundaries. In such a situation, it is very common for Sates to have conflicts or disputes over border or any other narrow interests. Pacifists spoke of a system to avoid war and to promote good governance everywhere, where all States will be under the same territory and under the same global rule. This is where the concept of global governance came from. However, this idea has not remained unchanged since birth, it has evolved over time to its present form. It is irrefutable that in the current era of globalization, global governance is controlling the world today, against which the notion of sovereignty has been defeated. The following article discusses the nature of global governance as well as attempts to explore its origins in historical context.

16 ref

040299   SHARMA P, KAMBOJ M C, SINGH N (CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Karnal-132 001 (Haryana), Email: sharmapreeti.genetics@gmail.com) : Association analysis in different generations of maize. Forage Res 2020, 46(1), 88-91.

The experiment was conducted to develop and evaluate six single cross hybrids and their F₂ populations developed from crossing and selfing between five inbred lines of maize at experimental area of CCS Haryana Agricultural University Regional Research Station, Uchani, Karnal during both the growing seasons of 2014-16 to estimate correlation analysis for the generations viz., parents (P₁ and P₂), F₁ , F₂ and back crosses (BC₁ and BC₂) in six crosses for 15 quantitative traits. Correlation is an important in estimating the relative importance of various characters on grain yield. From the association analysis it was found that grain yield per plant showed significant positive correlation with days to 50 % taselling, days to 50 % silking, days to maturity, plant height, ear height, cob length, cob diameter, number of grains per cob, 100 grain weight, shelling percentage and lysine content whereas it was found significant negative with protein and starch content. Protein content had significant negative correlation with tryptophan content and tryptophan is significantly positively correlated with lysine content. It was imperative that plant height having strong positive correlation with grain yield was found promising in all the six crosses studied, thus considered as important selection criteria in improving hybrid maize for high grain yield, fodder yield and quality on the basis of association among other characters also. All the six crosses and specially their selected F₂ plants are of great importance for population development programme for the development of inbreds and hybrids from the F₂ population by crossing promising genotypes on the basis of per se performance.

2 tables, 13 ref

040298   KUMAR A, RANI V, JAIN M, KUMAR R, KARWASRA N (CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), Email: karwasra.nitin@gmail.com) : Paddy straw retrieval by using straw baler for use as animal feed. Forage Res 2020, 46(1), 84-7.

The demand of livestock products is increasing due to increase in human population and change in feeding habits of peoples as they are shifting towards milk products, eggs and meat. To fulfil this demand higher cattle population is required, which will impress upon the need to produce higher feed and fodder from the decreasing land resources. These situations call for use of alternative sources of feed and fodder to bridge the gap between demand and supply of the fodder. In the present situation, the use of rice straw as animal feeding is an option as the majority of rice straw is burnt in the field. This straw can be retrieved from the field by using hay rakes and straw balers. Keeping in view a study was carried out at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Fatehabad (Haryana), India to evaluate the performance and economic feasibility of straw baler in paddy variety PB - 1509. The field capacity of straw baler increased from 0.34-0.85 ha/h, net income increased from Rs. 1100 to Rs. 2800/ha, B : C ratio increased from 1.20 to 1.78 and break-even point decreased from 225 to 83 h/year if straw baler is operated after using hay rake.

3 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

040296   ALI S, SINGH B (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Churu - 331 305 (Rajasthan), Email: shaukatagro@gmail.com) : Improvement in productivity and profitability of barley through front line demonstration. Forage Res 2020, 46(1), 74-7.

KVK, Chandgothi, Churu (Rajasthan) conducted total 128 Front Line Demonstrations on barley at farmers field in Churu District of Rajasthan during five consecutive years from 2013-14 to 2017-18 in rabi season. The farming situation was irrigated and soil was sandy loam low in nitrogen, medium in phosphorus and medium to high in potash. Assessment of gap was done and on basis of gap assessment, improved recommended technologies of barley cultivation were demonstrated. On overall average basis, 4593 kg/ha grain yield of barley was recorded under demonstration plot while 3735 kg/ha in farmer’s practices. On the basis of five year average, 22.94 per cent higher grain yield was recorded under demonstrations than the farmer’s practices (Local check). The extension gap, technology gap and technology index were 858 kg/ha, -113 kg/ha and -2.49 per cent, respectively. An additional investments of Rs 940 per ha consist with scientific monitoring of demonstration and non–monetary factors resulted in additional return of Rs. 9705 per ha. On five year average basis, incremental benefit : cost ratio was found 10.62.

1 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

040295   SHIVRAN R K, KISHOR N, KHERAWAT B S, JAT R D (CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), Email: sunda.hau04@gmail.com) : Productivity and profitability of barley flds in hyper arid partially irrigated zone of Rajasthan. Forage Res 2020, 46(1), 69-73.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is an important nutritious cereal in India with growing demand for malt preparation, brewing and food industries. Over years, declining acreage along with distorted production becomes a major concern in spite of increasing yield. Whereas, feed for livestock invited crop acreage in the case of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Around 71% perceived that barley is more suitable for cultivation under changing climate scenario owing to its high adaptability. Traditionally, barley is a poor man’s cereal in India and its cultivation requires low input with better adaptability to different stresses like drought, salinity and alkalinity, and marginal lands. It has a wide range of utility such as cattle feed, human food and industrial raw material for malting and brewing. Under semi-arid conditions, it is also used for dual purpose viz., green fodder and grain/ straw production from the crop re-growth. Seed is one of the crucial inputs for better farming and its availability and access influence largely the adoption of a variety. Farmers in the study region used mostly their own seed, either higher/ lower seed rate than the recommended (100 kg/ha) and if purchased, it was from seed dealers as they ensure timely availability. Apart from seed replacement rate, dose and source of purchase, time of sowing is more important for targeting better yield. A majority of the barley growers opted for timely/normal sowing and it was highest in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. Interestingly, the association between time of sowing and yield shows that farmers opting for timely sowing harvests more than farmers who are undergoing either late sowing or early sowing. Arid region of Rajasthan is having recurrent drought owing to its harsh and frequent climatic aberrations. Consequently, limit the scope of sustainable crop production and encourage the degradation of natural resources. Therefore, majority of farming community is engaged in subsistence farming due lack of adequate resources and because of poor and instable crop production, socio-economic status of the farmers is very poor. This has necessitated improvement in agricultural production by imposing improved production technologies. Dual purpose barley provides nutrition rich green fodder for the livestock at the time of scarcity and at the same time also provides acceptable quality grain for human consumption. In addition to unfavorable climatic conditions, use of traditional practices is also important factor responsible for low yield. The present study was therefore conducted in Bikaner district of Rajasthan during 2014-15 and 2015-16 to study the impact of improved production technologies on the fodder, seed yield and economics. The data were collected from 52 farmers in 20.8 hectares area. The findings of the study results revealed that improved technology recorded a mean yield of 4100 kg/ha which was 19.65 per cent higher than obtained by farmers practices (3450 kg/ha). The higher net returns (Rs. 56561/ha) and benefit: cost ratio of 2.40 was obtained with improved technologies in comparison to farmer’s practices (Rs. 41288 and 1.77).

2 illus, 4 tables, 11 ref

040294   PRAJAPATI B, TIWARI S, KUMAR K (Agronomy Dep, RVSKVK, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, Email: brajkishorprajapati1@gmail.com) : Effect of fodder based intercropping systems on herbage yield and quality of fodder under Tarai region of Uttarakhand. Forage Res 2020, 46(1), 63-8.

The experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2016-17 at Fodder Agronomy block of Instructional Dairy Farm (IDF), Nagla of the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, India to evaluate performance of berseem associate with cool season cereal fodder crops for quality fodder production. Randomized block design was used with four replications consisting of 10 treatments as detailed in materials and methods.The results showed that crude protein content in berseem fodder was significantly higher than remaining treatments at all the cuttings. Among intercropping systems, berseem with ryegrass in 2:2 and 1:1 row ratio hadhighestcrude protein content followed by barley+berseem (2:2) compared with remaining treatments anddry matter digestibility of barley+berseem (2:2) mixture was highest at all the cuttings. Among intercropping systems, total green fodder yield (939.0 q/ha) and dry fodder yield (143.1 q/ha) was highest in ryegrass+berseem (1:1) followed by ryegrass+berseem (2:2) fodder mixture than remaining treatments. The total crude protein yield (18.4 q/ha) was significantly higher with ryegrass+berseem (2:2) than remaining treatments except sole berseem and ryegrass+berseem (1:1).Association of berseem with ryegrass improved the quality of fodder and provided higher green fodder, dry fodder, crude protein and digestible dry matter yields under Tarai agro climatic situation of Uttarakhand.

2 tables, 24 ref

040288   YIHUNIE M, AYNALEM Y (Animal Production Dep, Woldia Univ, P. O. Box 400, Woldia, Ethiopia, Email: yibeletalaynalem@yahoo.com) : Assessment on the production system, constraints, opportunities of smallholder cattle fattening practices in Jabitehnan district, Amhara region, Ethiopia. Forage Res 2020, 46(1), 22-34.

The study was carried out to characterize the beef cattle production system, to identify the major constraints and opportunities for smallholder cattle fattening practices the current smallholder cattle fattening practices. The study was conducted using questionnaire-based survey by interviewing a total of 120 households heads participates in cattle fattening practices selected by a systematic random sampling method from seven rural kebeles including one kebele from Finoteselam town in weina-dega (Mid-altitude) and two kebeles in sub-kola (low land) agro-ecologies of Jabitehnan district in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. Moreover, focus group discussions, field observations techniques have been carried out. Descriptive statics, one way ANOVA and DMRT for comparison of means were carried out using SPSS version 16 soft ware and Chi-square (χ²) test was employed to test the association of different qualitative categorical variables. The basal feeds were fresh cut green forage including improved forage and weeds took higher proportion (63.3 %), followed by maize stover and stubble grazing (22.4 %), pasture grazing (9.7 %), and hay (5 %). The three types of houses for fattening cattle are separated room in the family house (62 %), enclosed barn with simple shade (22.4 %) and housed together with humans (15.6 %). Sources of fattening cattle were culled oxen due to old age or being unproductive (34.6 %), immediate purchase for fattening (55.7 %) and both culled oxen and immediate purchase (9.7%). Feed shortage, lack of enough capital and credit, lack of family labor during seasons of peak agricultural activities lack of extension service and capacity building were the major constraints of smallholder cattle fattening in decreasing order of importance. Chi-square (c²) correspondence analysis showed that the availability of feed shortage, lack of extension service, and capacity were not significantly (P>0.05) different between the two agro-ecologies. However, lack of family labor during seasons of peak agricultural activities significantly affect (P<0.05) cattle fattening practices in the sub-kola than in the weina-dega and lack of capital and credit significantly affect (P<0.05) the practice in the weina-dega than in the subkola. Average price of cattle before and after fattening were about 2297 and 3670 birr, respectively, which resulted in gross profit of about 1359 birr per fattened cattle that came from price margin and feed margin over 97 days of feeding period.

7 illus, 13 tables, 14 ref

040287   KUMAR N, SATPAL, KUMAR S, DEVI U, SUTALIYA J M, SHWETA (Genetics & Plant Breeding Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), Email: nknaveenroyal@gmail.com) : Maize fodder production under changing climatic scenario for nutritional security of livestock– a review. Forage Res 2020, 46(1), 10-21.

The scarcity of fodder availability along with increasing demand of livestock products when integrated with ill effect of climate change, further decreasing fodder productivity in response to increasing emissions of green house gaseous. In future, these threats will raise challenges in quality fodder production. To meet out the desired level of livestock production and its annual growth, the deficit in components of fodder, crop residues and feed has to be solved out either by increasing productivity, utilizing untapped feed resources, increasing land area or through the adoption of some innovative strategies. Maize, being one of the most adaptable emerging crops having wider adaptability under varied agro-climatic conditions, has been proved superior in terms of green fodder quality and silage making, as it provides very palatable, highly succulent and nutritionally rich fodder to livestock which is free from anti-metabolites. Despite technological advancement in breeding programmes, fertilizers and irrigation management systems, the climate is a key aspect in quality fodder production. To mitigate the ill effects of changing climate, conventional approaches of crop production needs to be altered and inventive adaption policies required to be in place. Potential adaptations can be achieved by improving irrigation efficiency and altering sowing time or introducing new genotypes with higher thermal accumulation efficiency. Hybrids with resistant traits to various biotic stresses have been identified and evolved. Furthermore, genotypes adaptable to new geographical area with different environment conditions have to be identified and explored to withstand with climate change.

2 tables, 71 ref

040286   SWATHY A H, THOMAS U C (Agriculture Coll, Vellayani - 695 522, Kerala, Email: swathyanija546@gmail.com) : Mechanization in fodder crop production–a review. Forage Res 2020, 46(1), 1-9.

Livestock sector plays an important role in the Indian economy and is a source of subsidiary income for many resource poor families. Livestock rearing of society at rural or urban landscape ensures healthy and nutritious diets and at national and regional levels, it supplies affordable, nutritious and safe animal sourced food to the people. Most of the fodder requirement is met by feeding crop residues and grazing land. Major fodder crops grown in India are sorghum, cowpea, napier-bajra hybrid, pearl millet, maize, oats, berseem, lucerne and rye grass, etc. India’s fodder crop and livestock sectors are interrelated to each other. For economical and sustainable cattle farming, fodder production round the year is highly essential. Feeding of green fodder to dairy animals play an important role in sustainability of dairy farming. However, in present situation the supply of feed to livestock is not able to meet the demand, and it is urgent to increase the availability of feed resources. In Indian conditions, major farming community falls under small (1-3 ha field size) land holding. A small farmer, usually possessing 2-10 numbers of animals allocates small portion (up to 10 per cent) of his cultivated land to fodder cultivation. Accordingly machinery and their size are required in Indian condition to fulfill their needs. Optimum production and utilization of forage crops is labour-intensive, which ultimately increases the cost of cultivation. This demands appropriate mechanization in fodder production and utilization. Machines in cultivation and utilization of fodder includes sowing machines, weeding machines, harvesting machines, chaff cutting machines and post harvest processing machines. Farm mechanization in India is about 40- 45 percent which is very low when compared to countries like US, Brazil and China according to International Exhibition and Conference on Agri-Machinery and Equipment, 2015. Mechanization encourages the improvement of efficiency of large scale production and ultimately leads to urbanization and commercialization in agricultural sector.

5 illus, 34 ref

040285   JINDAL Y, ARORA R N, PHOGAT D S, PAHUJA S K, MIDHA L K, GANDHI S K, JOSHI U N (Genetics & Plant Breeding Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), Email: yjindalhau@gmail.com) : Central oat os 403 – a new single-cut forage oat variety for North East, South and North West zones of India. Forage Res 2020, 45(4), 323-7.

An improved single-cut fodder oat variety, “Central Oats OS 403” was developed by pedigree method of breeding by Forage Section, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. Identified under AICRP on Forage Crops & Utilization, released and notified for cultivation under timely sown, normal fertility and irrigated conditions in the North West Zone of India (Haryana, Punjab, Uttrakhand and Rajasthan); North East (Assam, Manipur, Odhisha, West Bengal, Eastern UP, Bihar, Jharkhand) and South zone (Telengana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu). In the NWZ “CENTRAL OAT OS 403” provides 534 q/ha of green fodder. It gave 10.0- 12.0 % more green fodder yield than the national checks Kent and OS 6 in different zones. It gives high dry matter of 108 q/ha. It also has better nutritional qualities. It is moderately resistant to leaf blight disease, bold seeded and is capable of giving 18-20q/ha of seed.

6 tables, 4 ref

040284   BAMA K S, KARTHIKEYAN P, RAMALAKHSMI A (Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai, Tamil Nadi - 612 101, Email: kssoilscience@gmail.com) : Continuous cultivation of fodder maize and its impact on soil fertility and economics in western zone of Tamil nadu. Forage Res 2020, 45(4), 318-22.

A field experiment was conducted with an objective to assess the economics of continuous cultivation and supply of fodder maize and its impact on soil health. The trial was laid out with three kinds of cropping sequences i.e fodder maize three times with and without FYM. Available nutrient status in soil and crop nutrient uptake carried out after harvest in the cropping sequence showed the higher green fodder yield of 117 t/ha/yr with addition of FYM @ 25 t/ha than non-manured plots (98 t/ ha/yr). In the interaction, three crops of fodder maize and one crop of fodder cowpea in the cropping sequence with FYM @ 25t/ha had produced maximum green fodder yield (134 t/ha/year) with higher net returns and BCR (1.80) over sole fodder maize. Soil analytical report revealed green manure included sequence registered higher soil quality parameters. Irrespective of cropping sequences of fodder maize, FYM applied plots @25 t/ha recorded higher nutrient status, organic carbon and microbial population. However, for sustainable soil health, three crops of fodder maize with inclusion of green manure (dhaincha) and FYM @25t/ ha showed better results in terms of increased nutrient status (17 % increase of OC and 13,16 and 8 % of N,P and K over initial status,) and soil microflora.

9 tables, 10 ref

046334   BRAR A S, SRAW P K, DHILLON B S (Agronomy Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: amanbrar@pau.edu) : Impact of paddy straw mulch on germination and growth of celery (Apium graveolens L.) seedlings and associated weeds in nursery. J Spices Aromatic Crop 2020, 29(2), 148-52.

A study was undertaken during three consecutive rabi seasons of 2014–15 to 2016–17 at the Re-search Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (Punjab) to determine the effect of paddy straw mulch load and retention time on the germination and growth of celery and associated weeds. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with nine treatments viz., paddy straw mulch @ 4 and 6 t ha^-1 with retention time of 15, 20, 25 days after sowing (DAS), full time retention (60 DAS), and control (without mulch). The results indicated that application of paddy straw mulch @ 4 or 6 t ha^-1 significantly improved the germination of celery in nursery as compared to no mulch treatment but retention of paddy straw mulch beyond 20 days after sowing suppressed the celery seedlings adversely resulting in lowering seedling population as well as fresh and dry weight of celery seedlings. Application of paddy straw mulch @ 4 or 6 t ha^-1 resulted in significantly lower density and dry weight of weeds as compared to control. Further, each successive increase in retention time of paddy straw mulch from 15 DAS to full time retention (60 DAS) through 20 and 25 DAS significantly reduced the weed population in celery nursery.

1 table, 9 ref

040283   SATPAL, PANCHTA R, ARYA S, SINGH D P, KUMAR S, NEELAM (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), Email: berkesia.neelam@gmail.com) : Performance of cluster bean genotypes as influenced by crop geometry and fertilizer levels. Forage Res 2020, 45(4), 314-7.

A field experiment was conducted at Dryland Research Area, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana), India during rainy season (Kharif) of 2018. Two cluster bean genotypes (X10 and HG 2-20) were grown in two crop geometries (30 cm ×10 cm and 45 cm × 10 cm) at three fertilizer levels (75, 100 and 125 per cent RDF) with split plot design in three replicates to find out the suitable genotype, crop geometry and fertilizer dose for kharif season. Among the genotypes, no significant difference was observed for seed yield. However, the seed yield of HG 2-20 was 6.07 per cent higher over X-10. Maximum B : C ratio (1.16) was fetched in HG 2-20 followed by X-10. Among different crop geometries, highest seed yield (473.9 kg/ha) was recorded at 45 cm × 10 cm which was significantly higher over 30 cm × 10 cm. Maximum B : C ratio (1.17) was fetched with the crop geometry 45 cm × 10 cm which was significantly superior over 30 cm ×10 cm. Among fertilizer levels, highest seed yield (653.76 kg/ha) was recorded with the application of 125 per cent RDF which was on a par with 100 per cent RDF. The seed yield recorded with 125 % RDF was 0.55 and 12.75 per cent higher over 100 and 75 per cent RDF, respectively. However, maximum B : C ratio (1.16) was fetched with the application of 100 per cent RDF which was on a par with 125 per cent RDF. In nutshell, the crop geometry 45 cm × 10 cm and 100 per cent recommended dose of fertilizer (basal application of 40 kg P₂ O₅ +20 kg N/ha) were found to be suitable for both the genotypes.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

040282   MOHAN G, KURMI K (Agronomy Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat, Assam, Email: gaurimohan123@gmail.com) : Relative profitability of dual purpose maize production. Forage Res 2020, 45(4), 308-13.

An experiment was carried out during 2016-2017 at the Instructional-cum-Research (ICR) Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat to study the effect of relative profitability of dual purpose maize production. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments replicated thrice. In this experiment maize were grown at different inter-row and intra-row spacing for grain (T₁) at a spacing of 60 cm × 30 cm, fodder (T₂) at 30 cm × 15 cm. Fodder cum grain crop at 30cm × 30 cm with removal of alternate rows at knee-high stage (T₃), tasseling stage (T₄) and milking stage (T₅) for fodder. Fodder cum grain crop at 30 cm × 15 cm with removal of alternate rows at knee-high stage (T₆), tasseling stage (T₇) and milking stage (T₈) for fodder. Two levels of fertilizer viz., F₁ : 100 % recommended dose of fertilizer and F₂ : 150 % of recommended dose of fertilizer. The crop management practice T₇ recorded the highest gross return (Rs. 1,20,951/ha) and crop management practice T₁ recorded the highest net return (Rs. 90,631/ha) followed by crop management practice T₇ (Rs. 83,333/ha). Among the fertilizer level F2: 150 % of recommended dose of fertilizer recorded highest gross return (Rs. 1,05,543/ ha) and highest net return (Rs. 70,650/ha). The highest Benefit: Cost ratio of 4.46 was, however, found in grain crop sown at a spacing of 60cm × 30 cm (T₁) and was almost equal (3.22) to the high density (30 cm × 15 cm) fodder cum grain crop followed by removal of alternate rows at tasseling stage for fodder (T₇).The highest Benefit: Cost ratio (3.02) in terms of levels of fertilizer was found in 150 per cent of recommended dose of fertilizer.

4 tables, 17 ref

046333   KUMAR D, SURYAVANSHI P, PADALIA R C, CHAUHAN A, VENKATESHA K T, TIWARI A K, SINGH V R, SINGH S, UPADHYAY R K (CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Research Centre, Pantnagar- 263 149, Email: dkonarya@gmail.com) : Evaluation of harvesting time and standardization of distillation duration for higher essential oil content and quality in German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita L.). J Spices Aromatic Crop 2020, 29(2), 140-7.

Essential  oil yield and composition in aromatic crops might be affected by genetic, agronomical and environmental factors but till date there is no clear information about the harvesting time and distillation for higher essential oil content without affecting quality. The current study was carried out to evaluate harvesting of chamomile flowers without herb and with herb part at three different times (6 A.M., 12 P.M. and 6 P.M.) and four distillation treatments (3 h, 4 h, 5 h & 6 h) for dried chamomile flowers. Results indicated that essential oil content was more in chamomile flowers without herb (0.15-0.18 %) as compared to flowers with herb (0.06-0.09 %). Essential oil content in chamomile flowers without herb was found statistically at par at harvest time of 12 P.M. (0.18 %) and 6 P.M. (0.18 %) and significantly higher than harvesting time of 6 A.M. (0.15 %). Essential oil of chamomile flowers without herb contained maximum α-bisabolol oxide-B, (Z)-spiroether, and chamazulene at 12 P.M. and 6 P.M. while, α-bisabolone oxide-A and α-bisabolol oxide-A were maximum at 6 A.M. and (E)-β-farnesene was more at 12 P.M. Similarly, in distillation experiment, higher oil content was observed in chamomile dried flowers which were hydro-distilled for 6 h (1.20 %) compared to other hydro-distillation durations. Marker compounds i.e. α-bisabolol oxide-A, α-bisabolone oxide-A, α-bisabolol oxide-B, (E)-β-farnesene and chamazulene were more  at 5 h and 6 h distillation duration while (Z)-spiroether was more at 3 h distillation duration. The present study showed that in order to obtain higher essential oil, flowers without herb harvested at 12 P.M or 6 P.M. should be subjected to 5-6 h hydro-distillation.

4 tables, 24 ref

046332   RAJAMANICKAM C (Horticulture Dep, Agricultural Coll & Research Institute, Madurai- 625 10, Email: rajamanickamctnau@gmail.com) : Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis in tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.). J Spices Aromatic Crop 2020, 29(2), 133-9.

The present study was conducted at the Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam with the objective to estimate the extent of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, correlation and path analysis among tamarind genotypes. A remarkable variability was observed among the tamarind collections for all the characters.In all the cases, phenotypic variance was higher than the genotypic variance. Also, phenotypic coefficient of variation was found higher than genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits. The high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent over mean was observed in the traits such as pod yield plant^-1 (98.07 %; 76.103 %), fruit weight (89.11 %; 63.668 %), fibre weight (89.95 %; 91.967 %), shell weight (86.19 %; 58.534 %) and pulp weight (74.13 %; 51.533 %) whereas the lowest values were recorded for pod length (34.91 %; 13.945 %) and tree circumference (20.34 %; 8.198 %). Thus, it indicated better scope for improvement of these traits through selection programme. Pod yield tree^-1 was significantly and positively correlated with pod width, tree circumference and pulp weight. Path coefficient analysis showed that pod yield tree^-1 contributed the maximum positive direct effect.

6 tables, 25 ref

040279   SARMA A, SAUDR K, THAKURIA K, SHARMA K K, BORA S S (Agronomy Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat-785 013 (Assam), Email: rksaud@gmail.com) : Nitrogen management in ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum). Forage Res 2020, 45(4), 295-7.

A field experiment was carried out at the Instructional-cum-Research Farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during Rabi, 2016-2017 to study the effect of different levels of nitrogen and time of application on ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) for higher fodder production. Results revealed that application of 90 kg Nitrogen/ha in three splits as 40 % basal + 30 % after first cut + 30 % after second cut produced the highest fodder yields with economic returns. The increase in total green fodder yield due to application of 30, 60 and 90 kg Nitrogen/ha over 0 kg Nitrogen/ha was 50.5, 59.0 and 64.8 per cent, respectively. The corresponding increase in total dry matter yield was 24.7, 33.0 and 38.3 per cent.

2 tables, 10 ref

040278   GANGAIAH B, KUNDU M S (Natural Resource Management Div, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Andaman & Nicobar Islands-744 105, Email: bandlagangaiah1167@gmail.com) : Introduction and evaluation of single and multicut fodder crops for augmenting fodder supplies in andaman & nicobar islands for supporting dairy farming. Forage Res 2020, 45(4), 289-94.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands dairy farming progress was severely constrained by fodder shortages and stakeholders were not aware of fodder cultivation. In this context, 4 fodder crops were introduced for the first time (4 sole and 2 intercrops) and tested for their fodder production in RBD with three replications at Port Blair under rain fed situations for two kharif seasons (2015 and 2016). The results revealed that additive series (1:1) intercropping of sweet sorghum/maize with cowpea having 19.5 & 1.5 t/ha and Rs. 52, 223/ha of cereal fodder equivalent & crude protein yield and gross income as the best system. Intercropping systems on average have a Land and income equivalent ratio (L/IER) values of 1.30 / 1.25 as compared to their sole crops. Hence, additive series intercropping of sweet sorghum / maize with cowpea (1:1) was recommended for augmenting fodder supplies in the islands.

1 illus, 5 tables, 10 ref

046330   SUDHA B, JOHN J, MEERA A V, SAJEENA A (Kerala Agricultural Univ, Karamana- 695 002, Email: sudha.b@kau.in) : Growth, nutrient uptake and yield of ginger as impacted by potting media, foliar nutrition and microbial inoculants. J Spices Aromatic Crop 2020, 29(2), 113-21.

Experiments were conducted during 2017-19 at the Integrated Farming System Research Station, Karamana, Kerala Agricultural University for assessing the impact of quantity of potting media, foliar application of multinutrient mixture IISR Power Mix G and microbial inoculants Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Trichoderma on the growth, nutrient uptake and yield of ginger variety Karthika grown as pot culture. The study revealed that 12 and 15 kg of potting media filled grow bags could produce comparable yields of ginger significantly higher than that obtained with 9 kg of potting media. Application of IISR Power Mix G @ 0.5 % at 2 and 3 months of planting enhanced the yield of ginger to the tune of 11 per cent in comparison to control. Microbial inoculants AMF (5 g plant^-1) and Trichoderma (1 kg mixed with 90 kg FYM and 10 kg neem cake and 250 g of the mixture used) applied at planting time followed by Trichoderma at 1 month after planting resulted in higher fresh ginger yield of 596.67 g bag^-1 and was comparable to 550 g of fresh ginger obtained with application of AMF and Trichoderma at planting.

7 tables, 27 ref

046328   GURUNG K, MANIVANNAN S (Horticulture Dep, Sikkim Univ, Tadong- 737 102, Sikkim, Email: gurungnee08@gmail.com) : Morphological characterization and secondary metabolites profile of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) genotypes from Sikkim. J Spices Aromatic Crop 2020, 29(2), 98-104.

Quantification of volatile oil and analysis of four major metabolites using HPLC was done in 24 black pepper genotypes collected from south Sikkim. The amount of volatile oil ranged from 2.01 % to 0.022 %. Secondary metabolites like piperine ranged from 2.75-0.022 %, myrcene from 2.094-0.022 %, alpha- phellandrene from 1.373-0.008 % and linalool from 0.834-0.012 %. Genotype 23 had the highest amount of myrcene and linalool, genotype 13 had the highest quantity of piperine and genotype 8 had high amount of alpha-phellandrene. The principal component analysis (PCA) of analyzed metabolites grouped the genotypes into four categories. The study revealed that some of the genotypes were as good as pepper varieties grown in traditional areas. These genotypes will be useful in crop improvement strategies and suitable for Sikkim Himalaya.

1 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

042273   GIANNAKOPOULOS E, SALACHAS G, ZISIMOPOULOS D, BARLA S-A, KALAITZOPOULOU E, PAPADEA P, SKIPITARI M, GEORGIOU C D (Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Dep, Patras Univ, Mesologhi-30200, GREECE, Email: v.giann@yahoo.com) : Long-term preservation of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in extra virgin olive oil: A physico-biochemical approach. Free Radic Antioxi 2020, 10(1), 4-9.

This work, on low-cost controlled freeze methodology for stabilizing the phenolic content in Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), is evaluated by studying four Quality Indexes (QIs): free acidity, as % of oleic acid (1^st-QI); UV-absorption values; K₂₇₂, K₂₃₂ and ΔK (2^nd-QI); total phe-nolic content (TPC), as Gallic acid equivalence (3^rd-QI); and lipid peroxidation products, as free malondialdehyde (MDA) (4^th-QI). The study of QIs for EVOO under storage, absence of light, at 25, 4, -20 and -80°C, with or without N₂-purge showed that the phenolic charge is stabilized for > 12 months, at refrigeration conditions storage (~ 4°C) in the absence of oxygen, whilst the peroxidation of lipids is being kept at a low level. The results showed that the high concentration of natural hydroxylphenols in the EVOO in combination with its degas-sing (via N₂-purge) and storage at ~ 4°C, constitute the optimum conditions for preservation of olive oil as a long-lasting EVOO (LL [legal limit]-EVOO) with high added value. The main scientific contribution of this study is: (i) development and evaluation of a methodology (freeze controlled treatment) for the long-term preservation of EVOO quality, (ii) understanding the physicochemical mechanism and factors determining EVOO quality and (iii) ready-to-use technology for the local and international market.

3 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

046307   BEENA C (Agricultural Univ, Thrissur- 680 656, Email: beenac2@gmail.com) : Biochemical screening of Desmodium gangeticum Linn. root by GC-MS analysis. J Plant Dev Sci 2020, 12(11), 693-5.

This study was carried out to analyse the active constituents from the roots of Desmodium gangeticum L. commonly called as Shalparni in Hindi and Orila in Malayalam using Gas-Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric analysis and also to develop a specific TLC fingerprint for the plant root to authenticate the same quickly. The study revealed that the methanolic extract of Desmodium gangeticum root contains nine different chemical constituents. The major constituent is an ethanone derivative ( 10.55 %). A reference TLC fingerprint was developed which can be made useful to identify this plant root specifically from others. However, isolation of individual phytochemical constituents and testing it clinically for specific biological activity will be definitely giving fruitful results to support the medicinal properties of the plant root.

1 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

046306   KUMAR A, BAWEJA H S, DILTA B S, BAWEJA P K, SHARMA V (Horticulture Dep, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Univ of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, Email: akashcool548@gmail.com) : Effect of low temperature wet storage on vase life of cut carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) flowers. J Plant Dev Sci 2020, 12(11), 689-91.

Studies were conducted to find out the effect of wet storage on vase life of cut carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) flowers. Wet storage of cut flower for different durations significantly reduced flower diameter, flower appearance, consumption of holding solution, RWC, membrane stability and vase life as compared to un-stored conditions. Among different storage durations vase life was found maximum when cut flowers were stored in wet storage for 4 days. Maintenance of higher water status in holding solution containing serotonin seems to be the most important characteristic and have positive effect on flower diameter, membrane stability and vase life in cut carnation flowers.

1 table, 10 ref

046305   SHARMA H, SHARMA K (Motherhood Univ, Haridwar- 247 661, Email: vashishthaharsha5@gmail.com) : Effect of pseudomonasfluorescens and organic matter as a biofertilizer on Solanum melongena L. (Brinjal). J Plant Dev Sci 2020, 12(11), 683-8.

The influence of biofertilizer inoculation, Pseudomonasfluorescens alone and recommended dose of organic solution on brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) crop was tested during the kharif season of the year 2019 at agricultural field Patanjali Bio-Research Centre, Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The results revealed significant improvement in growth characters such as height of plant, stem diameter, length of root, number of functional leaves, weight of fresh shoot and weight of dry shoot over the control. Similarly, number of fruits picked per plant and yield of fruits was more in inoculated crop.Itisoneof the most popular and commercial crops grown in India and other parts of the world and rightly called as vegetable of masses. The common large-fruited forms are believed to have originated in Indo-Burma region. Fruits are moderate sources of vitamins and medicinal properties including de-collateralizing action.

3 tables, 6 ref

046304   CHAUDHARY M, MALIK S, NARESH R K, KUMAR M, SINGH M K, UJJWAL V, KUMAR A (Horticulture Dep, SVPUAT, Meerut, U.P., Email: chaudhary.mohit100@gmail.com) : Economic studies on integrated nutrient management in Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.). J Plant Dev Sci 2020, 12(11), 679-82.

Studies were conducted to find out the effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on various economic aspects of Gladiolus. It was observed that treatment containing 75 % RDF + 25 % Vermi-compost + Azospirillum+ PSB was found best treatment with reference to Gross income, Net income and B: C ratio during both the years of investigation. Therefore, it is recommended that INM approach with treatment consist of 75 % RDF + 25 % Vermi-compost + Azospirillum + PSB may be recommended for obtaining the maximum profit for the commercial cultivation of gladiolus crop.

2 tables, 7 ref

046302   GARGE V C, MALIK S, KUMAR M, SINGH M K, PRAKESH S, KUMAR S, AWASTHI M, SINGH S P (Horticulture Dep, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut- 250 110) : Effect of organic and integrated sources of nutrient on growth and flowering of french marigold (Tagetes patula L.) under north western plain zone of Uttar Pradesh. J Plant Dev Sci 2020, 12(11), 671-4.

An experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Canter, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture &Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India during 2019-2020, to evaluate the performance of French Marigold var. ''Pusa Arpita‟ with organic and integrated sources of nutrients. The results revealed that maximum plant height (57.47 cm), diameter of stem (18.21 mm), number of primary branches per plant ( 21.96), number of flowers per plant (143.89), spread of plant (41.17 cm), circumference of flower (12.64 cm), minimum days took to first flowering (41.39 days), maximum number of flowers per plant (38.56), flower yield per plant(133.58 g), flower yield per plot (5.98 kg), yield of flower per ha (402.09 q), flowering duration (60.68 days), number of florets per flower (136.55), length of flower stalk (6.44cm) and vase life of flowers(7.47days) were recorded with half recommended dose of 150:60:60 kg/ha (N:P:K) with half dose of PSB and half dose of vermicompost which was significantly superior to the other treatments and control.

2 tables, 18 ref

046301   ARUNADEVI K, RAMACHANDRAN J, RAJESWARI M (Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Trichy- 621 712, Email: arunadeviswce@gmail.com) : Evaluation of hydroponics system and micro climatic parameters under shade net house. J Plant Dev Sci 2020, 12(11), 665-9.

A study was taken up to determine the properties of the nutrient solution for the hydroponic system under shade net house and to study the micro climate parameters inside and outside the shade nethouse. EC and pH of the nutrient solution were observed for the hydroponics system. pH varies from 7.5 to 9.2 and EC varies from 1.14 to 1.43 ds/m. Temperature inside the shade net house was having slightly lesser value than outside atmospheric at range of 1.6 ºC to 2.7 ºC during the experiment period. Maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity and light intensity were observed for the effective crop growth period.

6 illus, 15 ref

044327   PHILIP K , DEVI S S A, JHA G K, RAJU B M K, SEN B, ALI A, KUMARI J (Agricultural Economics Dep, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi- 110 012, Email: girish.stat@gmail.com) : Sensitivity of wheat yields to rise in growing season temperature: Evidences from panel data analysis. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(2), 191-7.

The impact of climate change on agriculture is well studied yet there is scope for improvement as crop specific and location specific impacts need to be assessed realistically to frame adaptation and mitigation strategies to lessen the adverse effects of climate change. Many researchers have tried to estimate potential impact of climate change on wheat yields using indirect crop simulation modeling techniques. Here, this study estimated the potential impact of climate change on wheat yields using a crop specific panel data set from 1981 to 2010,for six major wheat producing states. The study revealed that 1 °C increase in average maximum temperature during the growing season reduces wheat yield by 3 percent. Major share of wheat growth and yield (79 %) is attributed to increase in usage of physical inputs specifically fertilizers, machine labour and human labour. The estimated impact was lesser than previously reported studies due to the inclusion of wide range of short-term adaptation strategies to climate change. The results reiterate the necessity of including confluent factors like physical inputs while investigating the impact of climate factors on crop yields.

2 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

044324   SARMA A, BHARADWAJ K (Agronomy Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat- 785 013, Assam, Email: abhijitaau@gmail.com) : Determination of crop-coefficients and estimation of evapotranspiration of rapeseed using lysimeter and different reference evapotranspiration models. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(2), 172-8.

Accurate estimation of evapotranspiration of rapeseed is essentially required for irrigation scheduling and water management. The present study was undertaken during 2015-16 and 2017-18 in ICR Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat to determine the crop coefficients (Kc) and estimate evapotranspiration of rapeseed using lysimeter and eight reference evapotranspiration models viz. Penman-Monteith, Advection-Aridity (Bruitsaert-Strickler), Granger-Gray, Makkink, Blaney-Criddle, Turc (1961), Hargreaves-Somani and Priestly-Tailor models. During 2015-16, the crop coefficients were developed by these models. Actual evapotranspiration was determined by three weighing type lysimeters. During 2017-18, evapotranspiration was estimated by multiplying reference evapotranspiration with Kc derived by different models and compared with actual evapotranspiration estimated by lysimeter during similar growing periods. All the models except Turc (1961) showed less than 10 % deviation between actual and estimated ET. The estimated evapotranspiration using Penman-Monteith and Priestly-Tailor reference evapotranspiration recorded the lowest MAE and RMSE. The study revealed that estimated evapotranspiration using Penman-Monteith reference evapotranspiration gave the best estimate of evapotranspiration of rapeseed followed by Priestly-Tailor. The crop coefficients for initial, mid and end stages were 0.83, 1.20 and 0.65, respectively for Penman-Monteith and 0.70, 1.05 and 0.55, respectively for Priestly-Tailor.These results can be used for efficient management of irrigation water for rapeseed. 

1 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

044321   KAUR S, GILL M S, GILL P P S, SINGH N P (Fruit Science Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana- 141 004, Email: mandeepgill21@pau.edu) : Effect of plant bio-regulators on photosynthesis, growth and yield efficiency of pear trained on Y-trellis system. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(2), 140-7.

‘Patharnakh’ and ‘Punjab Beauty’ are major pear cultivars grown under the subtropical conditions of northwestern India. These pear cultivars tend to put up profuse vegetative growth under the high density planting that leads to excessive shading of bearing zone of canopy. To facilitate light penetration into inner plant canopy, there is a need to contrive an efficient approach for vegetative growth management. The foliar applications of varying concentrations of plant bio-regulators viz. Prohexadione calcium (ProCa) (100, 200, 400 mg L-1) and Paclobutrazol (PBZ) (100, 250, 500 mg L-1) were done at 10 days after full bloom (DAFB) ‘Patharnakh’ and ‘Punjab Beauty’ pear plants trained on the Y-trellis training system. Shoot length, leaf area index and trunk cross-sectional areas (TCSA) were greatly reduced by Pro-Ca 200 and 400 mg L-1 concentrations. Treatments enhanced light penetration and photosynthesis. Fruit weight improved with plant bio-regulator treatments resulting in increased yield efficiency of pear plants. This study exhibited a strong positive correlation between light availability and yield efficiency of pear plants.

5 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

044320   LAL M, KUMAR S, KUMAWAT S M, YADAV R S, KHARIA S K (Agronomy Dep, S.K. Rajasthan Agricultural Univ, Bikaner-334 006, Rajasthan, Email: manoharlal00291@gmail.com) : Performance of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) varieties under Azadirachta indica L. shade and open condition in hot-arid region of Rajasthan. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(2), 132-9.

The mustard production and productivity of the hot arid region of Rajasthan is dominated by both genetic makeup and environmental conditions. An experiment was conducted with four mustard varieties (RGN-73, RGN-229, RH-30 and Pusa bold) in two growing environments (open environment and neem shade). Pusa bold gave significantly higher plant height than other varieties. Among varieties, RGN-73 had significantly higher number of branches per plant, dry matter accumulation per plant, siliquae per plant, seed yield, stover yield, biological yield, harvest index and heat use efficiency than other varieties. However, significantly higher test weight was in Pusa bold variety. Under open environment condition, significantly higher growth, yield attributes, yield, harvest index and heat use efficiency were found as compared to neem shade environment. The results revealed that variety RGN-229 took more days for completion of life cycle as compared to other varieties, hence RGN-229 variety required significantly more degree days than other varieties. The pheno-thermal index was significantly higher in open condition.

3 illus, 7 tables, 27 ref

044310   RAO M S, PRASAD T V (ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Telangana- 500 059, Hyderabad, Email: msrao909@gmail.com) : Temperature based phenology model for predicting establishment and survival of Spodoptera litura (Fab.) on groundnut during climate change scenario in India. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(1), 24-32.

Studies were conducted to develop temperature-based phenology model for Spodoptera litura on groundnut, at both constant and fluctuating temperatures and to predict the possibility of pest risk in future climate change scenarios of India using ‘stochastic simulation tool’ in Insect Life Cycle Modelling (ILCYM) software ,which is based on rate summation and cohort up-dating approach. Phenology model predicted temperatures between 25 $°$C and 30 $°$C as the favourable range for S. litura development, survival and reproduction. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm), and finite rate of increase (») increased with increase in temperature from 15 $°$C to 30 $°$C and decreased with increase in temperature. Intrinsic rate of increase (rm), varied from 0.05 females/female/day at 15 $°$C to 0.17 females/female/day at 30 $°$C. S. litura population attained a maximum net reproductive rate ‘Ro ’ (334.09 females/female/generation) and total fecundity (1041.88 individuals/ female/generation) at 27 °C temperature. Simulated life table parameters were used to determine indices such as the establishment risk index (ERI), the generation index (GI), and activity index (AI) by using the ‘Population distribution and risk mapping’ module of software during present and future climatic scenarios and significant increase in AI and ERI with higher GI at future (2050) climatic conditions compared to current (2000) climatic conditions indicating the strong suitability for establishment and survival of S.litura in India.

3 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

044309   PATIDAR R, MOHANTY M, SINHA N K, GUPTA S C, SOMASUNDARAM J , CHAUDHARY R S , SOLIYA R , HATI K M , PRABHAKAR M , SAMMI REDDY K , PATRA A K, SRINIVAS RAO CH (ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Email: nishant.sinha76211@gmail.com) : Potential impact of future climate change on maize (Zea mays L.) under rainfed condition in Central India. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(1), 18-23.

A simulation experiment was carried out using Agriculture Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model to assess the impact of climate change (change in temperature and rainfall patterns) on productivity of maize in the state Madhya Pradesh. Thirty districts with 74 soil profiles from Madhya Pradesh state were considered for the study. However, we are presenting the average results over districts and soil profiles. A well-parameterised and validated APSIM model was used to simulate the effects of temperature and rainfall on maize grain and biomass yield. Increase in temperature having negative effects on both grain and biomass yield of maize. W hile increasing the temperature from base to 5 °C, the grain and biomass yield of maize decreased by 40 % and 28 %, respectively. Further, increasing the temperature by 1 °C could reduce the grain and biomass yield by 10 % and 8 %, respectively. A small increase in maize yield was observed by 10 % decrease of rainfall from the base. W hile rainfall increase by 10 % or more and decrease by >20 % would results in lower maize yield and biomass. The decrease in maize yield due to increase in temperature could be attributed to decrease in duration of the crop. One-degree increase in temperature may decrease the duration of crop by 4.3 days. This study also revealed that agronomic management practices such as delaying of sowing dates could reduce the impact of climate change on crop yield to a considerable extent. By adopting the sowing date between 7th and 14th July, it may be possible to reduce the impact of temperature change on maize grain and biomass yield in central Indian condition.

4 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

040227   SAHOO T , TRIPATHY A, PRADHAN S R, TARAI A (Plant Pathology Dep, Odisha Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Email: abhi.plantpathology@gmail.com) : Study of root and stem rot pathogen (Rhizoctonia solani) in different culture media, host range and effect of weather parameters on disease incidence. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(3), 355-9.

Root and stem rot of cowpea caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the most important problems for farmers among the coastal regions of Odisha. Keeping this in view, the behavioural study of the pathogen was done by studying its growth pattern in different culture media and host medium. Among five different media, Potato dextrose agar (90.00 mm) was found to support the maximum radial growth followed by Sabouraud’s dextrose agar medium (87.90 mm), Potato dextrose rose Bengal agar (82.40 mm), Oat meal agar (76.60 mm) and Malt extract agar (70.98 mm). In study of meteorological parameters in relation to disease development the maximum incidence was recorded in October at a maximum temperature of 32.7 ^oC, minimum temperature 22.9 ^oC accompanied by night RH 92 % and day RH 64 %. However, weather parameters under study did not yield any significant effect on disease development. However, the soil factors like sandy loam textured soil and acidic to neutral PH contributed towards this soil borne disease. Among host range studies, Rhizoctonia solani isolated from cowpea could infect rice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), chilli (Capsicum annum), brinjal (Solanum melongena), field pea (Pisum sativum), cucumber (Cucumissataivus), bengalgram (Cicer arietinum), arhar (Cajanus cajan), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), and groundnut (Arachis hypogea) in addition to its own host.

5 tables, 9 ref

040226   DASH S R, RAI A K, DAS H, BEHERA N, DASH S (Odisha Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Malkangiri, Odisha, Email: hdubkv@gmail.com) : Extent of adoption of sweet corn cultivation in south eastern ghat zone of Odisha. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(3), 349-53.

Sweet corn is becoming very popular in different parts of the country. The present study was conducted during 2019-20 in two blocks of Malkangiri district comprising 120 numbers of farmers from four adopted villages of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Malkangiri in South Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha. In previous years (2017-18 and 2018-19) KVK, Malkangiri has conducted FLD programmes on sweet corn cultivation by providing the critical inputs with support of production technologies. Conducting front line demonstrations on farmer’s field help to identify potential of the sweet corn in specific area as well as it helps in improving the economic and social status of the farmers. The ex-post facto research design was used for the study. Majority of the respondents (83.3 %) were found to possess medium to high level of adoption behavior regarding different recommended package and practices about sweet corn cultivation. It means that the respondents were more energetic, progressive and adopting the sweet corn as cash crop keeping the market demand in mind and practicing the technologies for better production and higher net return. The study revealed that socio- economic variable like education, extension contact, communication material used and holding size were the pertinent variables exhibiting influence towards adoption behaviour of the respondents. Different extension agencies like KVK, ATMA, NGO’s of the district need to provide more technical support to the farmers for increase in area and production of sweet corn. 

3 tables, 12 ref

040225   SRILATHA P, SRILATHA V C (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural Univ, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Email: srilathajeyabal@gmail.com) : Impact of front line demonstrations on the yield and economics of black gram in rabi rice fallows in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(3), 345-8.

In the year 2016-17 Cluster front line demonstrations (CFLDs) were organised in 40 Ha, in 2017-18 in 50 Ha and in 2018-19 it was done in 50 hectares. All the critical inputs were provided to the farmers free of cost. In Andhra Pradesh, the average yield of black gram was 8.0 qt./Ha and average yield of Krishna district was 10.3 qt/Ha, a potential pulse producing district in the state and the potential yield is 15 qt/Ha. Extension activities viz., training programmes, method demonstrations, field visits and group discussion were organised to create awareness on the latest technologies and skill component involved. The average data for all three years indicate that in the demonstrated plots the average yield was 14.3 qt/ha compared to 12.8 qt/ha in the farmers practice fields. The cost of cultivation was also reduced in the demonstrated plots ( ₹ 23110.00 per hectare) compared to farmers practice pots (₹ 28900) indicating a reduction, resulted in improving the net income of the farmers in the demonstration plots. There is a increase in the net income in demonstrated plots to the tune of  ₹ 11965.00 per hectare and the cost benefit ratio was also greatly improved from 2 to 3 in the demonstrated plots.

4 tables, 6 ref

040224   PATTANAYAK S, DAS S, NAVYASRI K (Plant Pathology Dep, Centurion Univ of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha, Email: sudeepta.chiki@gmail.com) : Bioindicator emerged as a potential environmental marker. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(3), 399-44.

In the era of modern science and new technology, mankind is adopting new and novel approaches to deal with the problems. The high population density and urbanization has changed our environment to a polluted one. Its not easy to deal with this problem with complex and costly equipment. Bioindicators are playing a major role in reducing the pollution and to check it timely without any environmental hazard. Bioindicators are the living organism which facilitate in reduction of the environmental pollution. They directly or indirectly determine the amount of pollutants and contaminants present in our ecosystem. They rapidly react to their surrounding environment and give us early warning. These can be used for indexing the health of the ecosystem as well as balancing the ecosystem without any disturbance in food chain. Biomonitoring is one of the promising and cost-effective methods as compared to other techniques. More researches are highly needed to explore the hidden characteristics and many more new species which will help us to build a better and safe environment.

1 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

040221   MAURYA R L , KUMAR M, MALIK S, YADAV M K, SENGAR R S (Horticulture Dep, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Email: k.mukesh123@yahoo.com) : Morphological variation and genetic diversity in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus l.) using agro-morphic traits. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(3), 299-304.

The objective of the study was to assess the morphological variation and genetic divergence among carnation accessions based on agro-morphic traits. Analysis of variance indicated significant difference among the genotypes for different agro-morphological traits. The cultivar Rebra had maximum plant height, stem length, leaf pair per stem while earlier bud appearance was found in cultivar Tabor. Maximum days took to bud appearance exhibited by cultivar Niva. The minimum days taken to bud opening were observed in Irene and maximum days took to bud opening found in cv. Baltico. The maximum flower duration was recorded in cv. Irene and the minimum flower duration exhibited by cv. Kazhrela. Cultivar Rebra produced larger flower while, cv. Jureno gave smaller flower. On the basis of D²  analysis, the 25 genotypes could be grouped into 3 clusters. Cluster II accommodated highest number of 11 genotypes, followed by, cluster I with having 10 genotypes and cluster III contained 4 genotypes only. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster III and I followed by, cluster III and II) and minimum inter-cluster distance showed between cluster II and I. As far as the cluster means are concerned, genotypes consisted in cluster II had highest mean value of plant height, stem length, flower duration and flower diameter while some genotypes showed higher mean value for the characters like earlier bud emergence in cluster II and cluster I. Therefore, a hybridization programme may be initiated involving the genotypes belonging to diverse clusters with high mean for almost all the component characters.

6 tables, 19 ref

040210   RAMESH T, RATHIKA S, SUBRAMANIAN E, RAVI V (Agronomy Dep, Anbil Dhamalingam Agricultural Coll and Research Institute, Tiruchirappalli- 620 027, Email: agronramesh@gmail.com) : Effect of drip fertigation on the productivity of hybrid rice. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(2), 219-25.

A field experiment was conducted at Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute (TRRI), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Aduthurai to standardize lateral spacing, plant row spacing, fertilizer levels and source of fertilizers on the productivity of hybrid rice under drip irrigation. The experiment was conducted in strip plot design with replicated thrice. Main plot treatments were two lateral spacing (80 and 100 cm) with two plant row spacing (uniform row spacing and modified row spacing). In 80 cm lateral spacing, uniform row spacing of 20 × 10 cm and modified row spacing of 7.5 × 20 × 25 × 20 × 7.5 cm were adopted. In case of 100 cm lateral spacing, uniform row spacing of 20 × 10 cm and modified row spacing of 7.5 × 15×15×25×15×15×7.5cm were adopted. In sub plots, combination of two fertilizer levels (75 and 100 % RDF) and two sources of fertilizers (common fertilizers – urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash and water soluble fertilizers – urea, mono ammonium phosphate and sulphate of potash) were used for fertigation. Short duration hybrid CORH 3 was used. Results revealed that lateral spacing at 80 cm with modified row spacing (7.5 × 20 × 25 × 20 × 7.5 cm) produced significantly taller plants (76.1 cm), more number of leaves per hill (74.9/hill) and tillers population (625 per m2 ), higher root growth parameters at maximum tillering stage viz., root length (18.5 cm), root volume (13.1cc) and root dry weight (6.2g), higher yield attributes like productive tillers (453/ m2 ), number of filled grains per panicle(124.9) and higher grain yield of 5055 kg/ha than lateral spacing of 100 cm with modified row spacing. Fertigation with different levels and sources of fertilizers revealed that application of 100 % recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) as water soluble fertilizer produced significantly higher growth, yield parameters and grain yield of 4230 kg/ha over 75 % RDF. However, it was comparable with 100 % RDF as conventional fertilizers.

1 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

040209   BHUIYA G S, SHANKAR T, BANERJEE M, MALIK G C (Agronomy Dep, Centurion Univ Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha, Email: tanmoy.shankar125@gmail.com) : Growth, productivity, nutrient uptake and economics of hybrid maize (Zea mays l.) as influenced by precision nutrient management. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(2), 213-8.

The field experiment was carried out at the farmer’s field in Chella Kamarpara village, Chella G.P, Chella Mouza of Illambazar Block, Birbhum, West Bengal which is situated at 23^o  37.374’ latitude and 87^o 37.170’E longitudes with an average altitude of 58.9 m above mean sea level under sub-humid, sub-tropical belt under the prevailing climatic conditions of West Bengal during the Kharif season of 2013. The experiment consisted of the five levels of nutrient management i.e., N₁ : State recommendation (150:75:75), N₂ : Nutrient expert (NE) recommendation (120:34:51), N3 : Farmers practices (80:40:40), and N₄ : Basal application of 50:75:75 with split N application on basis of LCC (leaf colour chart), N₅ :control and two level of varieties viz. V₁ : Sona and V₂ : Rajkumar, the total number of treatment combinations are ten, which were replicated thrice and was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD). To evaluate the effect of nutrient management on the growth, productivity and economics of hybrid maize cultivation. Nutrient management has played an important role in achieving sustainability of grain production. The chemical fertilizer consumption coupled with their limited production, fertilizer cost, soil health and pollution have given rise to interest in precision nutrient management tools. It was the found that the Growth, productivity, nutrient uptake and economics of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) as influenced by precision nutrient management which was significantly affected by different level of nutrient management and varieties. Whereas, LCC based application of fertilizer gave better result than all other treatment but it was also statistically at par with Nutrient expert based recommendation.

4 tables, 14 ref

040197   KROPI J, PHONGLOSA A (Horticulture Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Chariali-784 176, Assam, Email: soilamit12@rediffmail.com) : Response of different plant growth regulators on fruit yield of brinjal. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(2), 129-31.

The experiment was conducted at Instructional cum Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Biswanath College of Agriculture (AAU) Biswanath Chariali, Sonitpur district of Assam during 2014-15 in order to study the response of plant growth regulators on physiogical and fruit yield of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) cv. JC -1. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with ten treatments replicated three times. The details of treatment comprised of GA₃ (25, 50 and 100 ppm), IAA (25, 50 and 100 ppm), NAA (25, 50 and 100 ppm) and control (distilled water). During the period of investigation the growth regulators showed significant response on physiological and yield attributing characters of brinjal. The result revealed that the maximum leaf area index (2.82) was recorded under GA₃ at100 ppm (T₃ ) while GA₃ at 50 ppm (T₂ ) recorded the highest (802.40 g) total dry weight per plant at harvest. However, the highest leaf chlorophyll content index (44.50) was recorded under treatment with NAA at 50 ppm (T₈ ). Foliar application GA₃ at 50 ppm (T₂ ) exhibited significantly higher total number of flower per plant (38.49), number of fruit per plant (18.56) and fruit yield (1.58 kg plant-1 and 377.00 q ha^-1). It may be concluded from the experiments that GA₃ proved to be the best in improving the physiological and yield attributing parameters in brinjal.

1 table, 13 ref

040196   JOSHI A, KUMAR A, KASHYAP S (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Govind Ballabh Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Uttarakhand, Email: anjali999aj@gmail.com) : Genetic analysis of yield and yield contributing traits in bread wheat. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(2), 119-28.

Ten wheat genotypes were crossed in diallel manner excluding reciprocals. The crosses along with parents were analysed for combining ability and significant variation was found amongst genotypes for various yield and yield contributing traits. ANOVA revealed that mean square for general combining ability was significant for all the traits studied except for spike length. Mean square for SCA was also non significant for spike length while for all other characters it was significant. Out of total 45 crosses 5, 8, 4, 7, 8, 3, 3, 11, 11, 13, 8 and 11 crosses showed significant SCA effects in desirable direction for days to 75 % heading, days to maturity, flag leaf area, number of productive tillers per plant, plant height, spike length, number of spikelets/spike, number of grains/ spike, 1000 grain weight, biological yield/plant, grain yield/plant and harvest index, respectively. Two cross combinations viz., HD 2967 × NIAW 1594 and KFA/2*KACHU × WH 1187 were identified as good crosses due to them having higher per se performance and significant SCA effects for three yield and yield contributing traits so these crosses presents an opportunity for commercial exploitation either in form of hybrid varieties or as base material for selection of potential homozygous lines from transgressive segregants for improvement of yield levels of bread wheat.

3 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref